THANK YOU to our community
During Covid-19 many members of our Communities stood out, here are only a few:
To show support for front line workers my husband has created these items from recycled materials, added inspirational messages and donated them to local hospitals.
– From Judith LeFever Laurie, owner of Smooth Move for Seniors, donated 400+ plants to 4 retirement homes in the Niagara region. Donations came from 6 growers in NOTL
Red Ribbon was looking for empties – so Laurie shared their story on NOTL facebook page and the Rotary club facebook page. Laurie offered to pick up bottles and take them to Red Ribbon Barn - horse place
After volunteering to get plants donated in April/May to four retirement homes, Laurie realized that the seniors (and homes) really appreciated it. Most plants went to the seniors, but one set of flowers went to the workers. It was so well received that she tried to think of other opportunities to help out.
She knew seniors love their music, so she decided to see if any retirement homes would be interested in this kind of thing. She asked if they could sing outside somewhere safe,and they could watch safely from a distance - would anyone be interested? Shehad three positive responses. Her next step was to find singers! This took a little time. She does not sing, so she knew shewouldn’t be much help in the singing department. So, she started to network through FB, emails and neighbours. She found four wonderful ladies to sing (plus herself). The ladies practiced once in the park and then once at Laurie’s house. They are ready to have some fun and hopefully the seniors will too! They can sing along with the ladies, maybe they will have started a new trend.
Keep our fingers crossed for good weather! Laurie is working on singing at three retirement homes :
July 4th at 10am Niagara Long Term Care
July 6th at 10am Martindale Place
2pm Lundy Manor
It has taken her about a month to find singers, get the songs, this should be a great time for all the Seniors.
– From Laurie Gunton, Smooth Move For Seniors I would like to put forth the name of Lori Albanese as having gone above and beyond during this pandemic. Lori is Community Development Coordinator – Parks and Recreaction- The City of Niagara Falls.
Lori has been the driving force behind our City’s Canada Day celebration for many years. I am a volunteer member of her Canada Day Planning Committee.
In the beginning the Canada Day celebration took place at Optimist Park on Morrison Street. When the park was sold, the Canada Day event moved to downtown Niagara Falls on Queen Street. The day was packed with free events starting with a parade. In 2018, well over 25,000 people were in attendance. This year was to be different. The outbreak of Covid-19 meant we could not celebrate as usual.
Lori thought outside of the box. It would have been easy to postpone the event until next year. But it was decided we would have a virtual celebration this year. Ideas were submitted to Lori and the celebration is all set to go. Along with Niagara Falls’ own celebration, we will be able to join in with both the Regional and National celebrations.
Many of the events in Niagara Falls are the same as in past years. The difference is that in 2020, they are all virtual, starting with a 5k run/ walk benefiting St John Ambulance The The NF virtual celebration continues with buskers, magicians and musical performances. Most of these performers have been here before during our live celebrations and were happy to participate this year.
Lori also arranged for a Canada Day contest where we are being asked to show our Canadian Pride by sharing photos and videos on line. Local business have again supported Lori in her efforts and are providing great prizes.
I feel Lori Albanese has gone above and beyond to allow the people of Niagara Falls the opportunity to celebrate Canada Day and to show their Canadian spirit in this most challenging year.
– From Paul Campigotto “Our Neighbourhood Canadian Spirit “We live on Portal Drive/Elgin Street in Port Colborne We have a terrific neighbourhood with very caring people. Audrey Kerr heard The Canadian Government announcement on CTV about 9 weeks ago asking Canadian’s to show their spirit amid the COVID pandemic. She immediately organized an event that lifted our COVID blues. Every Sunday at 12:00 pm, eighteen households come out flags in hand to sing Oh Canada ..... rain or shine.
Also keeping us active ... a small group of us have a stretch class in the park 3 mornings a week with Alex Morin instructing .... physical distancing of course This has been a tough time and seeing people come together to help lift the physical and mental well being of others warms my heart. Thank You Audrey and Alex.
Have never been more proud to be A CANADIAN.
– From Bill & Sandi Teal Neighborhoods Displaying Kindness, Generosity & True Canadian Spirit: During the Covid-19 pandemic, I was touched to see the drawings on sidewalks with chalk. I saw a hopscotch game, rainbows, Spiderman, messages saying “Stay Safe, We’re in this Together,” hearts, flowers etc. I was also touched to see posters on hydro poles, front windows of homes, front lawns, businesses etc., thanking all of our frontline workers. It was wonderful to see neighborhoods pulling together to support each other during this pandemic.
– From A.Tiberi, Welland Resident